Fixing the Cracks: A Toolkit for Youth and Adult Allies is an essential resource designed to mend the bonds between young adults and their adult allies. In today’s world, where mental health challenges among youth are prevalent, the support and understanding of adult allies play a crucial role in navigating these difficulties. Adult allies encompass a wide range of individuals, including parents, caregivers, mental health professionals, educators, coaches, coworkers, emergency services members, and more.
Fixing the Cracks provides a structured approach to repairing damaged relationships and rebuilding trust through a 5-step process:
- Acknowledge roles and responsibilities honestly
- Be honest and explore differing perspectives
- Foster equity and define safe spaces for open dialogue
- Rebuild the relationship’s foundation through inclusion
- Continue with ongoing communication and accountability
This toolkit was born out of the shared interest between youth and adult allies to improve the practices used in supporting young adults. Developed at the 2019 MINDS Convening, Fixing the Cracks emerged as a prototype selected for implementation and funding by MINDS. The project stemmed from the recognition that some existing practices were not effectively engaging youth in their desired care experiences.
Through years of collaborative effort and feedback from youth and adult allies, Fixing the Cracks evolved into a print-on-demand book containing journaling prompts, resources, and guidelines to facilitate open conversations and reflection. The toolkit addresses the challenges of repairing damaged relationships and breaches of trust, providing a structured framework for both youth and adult allies to navigate healing together.
Fixing the Cracks aims to:
- Equip youth and adult allies with practical tools for repairing damaged relationships.
- Facilitate open dialogue, reflection, and understanding between youth and adult allies.
- Address power imbalances and misaligned values between youth and adult allies.
- Empowers individuals to build authentic connections based on equity, safety, and accountability.
- Fosters resilience and promotes mental well-being by strengthening supportive relationships.
Every relationship experiences challenges, but with Fixing the Cracks, youth and adult allies can embark on a journey of healing and rebuilding trust. Together, let’s mend the fractures and create stronger, more resilient connections that support mental health and well-being.
Download a copy of Fixing the Cracks: Click here!
Want to get involved in Fixing the Cracks? Click here!
